Wednesday, December 24, 2008

After peeling and slicing ash gourd, the next step in making petha is to prick the pieces with a fork, docking the gourd with holes all over. Then the pieces must be soaked in lime water made by combining a few tablespoons of Calcium Hydroxide with enough water to cover the gourd pieces. Calcium Hydroxide aka kitchen lime, mineral lime or simpley CAL is all one in the same. It is also used to make fresh masa for tortillas and tamales. A good Mexican market should stock Cal. This is the season for fresh tamales! I bought mine at the market in Goa and I just ask for "lime for petha" Although Petha is a specialty of Agra, it is sold in sweet shops all over India. Soak the ash gourd for one hour in the lime water and then rinse under cold water for 5 minutes.

Next, boil the gourd pieces in alum water. Alum is used for shaving in India. It feels great on the face. But it is also used for making petha.

Break off a small piece of alum and disolve it in boiling water to make the alum water. Simmer the gourd pieces until they become transluscent.Once it becomes transluscent, drain and cover with a thick simple syrup flavored with rose or kewra [pandan leaf], or go against the tradition and flavor the petha with saffron, like I did. Simmer for 25 minutes over low heat and chill in the syrup. When chilled, drain and serve. Like nothing else.

One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received was the Nuestra Musica LP by El Gran Combo from DJ Don Bustamonte. The album is full of holiday tunes.I share with you the first three songs from side A:

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

It snowed in the Oakland Hills. I experienced a hail storm on top of my hill in San Francisco.Italian Meringue can look like smooth snow peaks.

To make Italian meringue, you need to combine one cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. heat to Soft ball stage, which occurs between 235°F – 240°F. As the sugar cooks, whip 5 eggs to soft peaks. Time the process so that the sugar reaches soft ball at the same time the eggs reach soft peaks. Slowly pour the sugar into the whites as you continue to whisk. Whisk to medium peaks. Fill a pastry bag with the meringue. Pipe and toast with a torch.

Vanilla Ice Cream with Azuki Beans.

This Japanese ice cream topping is just like the Easter time specialty from Dominican Republic, Habichuela con Dulce, the sweet red bean pudding. Helados Bon has an Habichuela con Dulce ice cream flavor. I made it once at Citizen cake, it was great, but the customers didn't order/understand it. "red bean ice cream?!"

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

I remember first finding out about Haji Springer when I used to shop at Bombay Bazaar on Valencia Street in San Francisco. Back then he was called P.I.D. (Polithizzin Indian Dude) and he had a pimped out ride that was full of promotional custom work and stickers that was always parked in front of the shop. Today there are always posters up at Bombay Bazaar promoting his newest releases.

Tune: Indian Rapper by Haji Springer from the Hello Buddy Album. This tune sounds like a yellow bus ran over Ludachris, Ishq Bector, Timberland and Eminem.Haji's persona highlights his Desi roots as well as his Bay Area Roots. He has created a character that makes fun of himself and his heritage while celebrating diversity. It also comes with a big dose of thizz and irresponsible lyrics. Flow is so so, gimmick is heavy, some of the beats are nice. He is unique. He holds it down for the bay and teams up with some local heavy hitters like Keak da Sneak. In true hyphy fashion, he has created a unique stage character, complete with stunna shades and a grill.A lot of the production on the Hello Buddy album is by Bay Area legend Gennessee.